13/03/2025

THURSDAY | MAR 13, 2025

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Rising costs putting brakes on e-hailing services

Ex-navy officer discharged in CBT case KUALA LUMPUR: The Sessions Court yesterday discharged not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) former Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS) managing director Tan Sri Ahmad Ramli Mohd Nor of three counts of criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM21.08 million related to the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project. Judge Suzana Hussin made the order after allowing an application by lawyer Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden, who represented Ahmad Ramli, 81, who is also a former navy commander, for his client to be released without bail following a report on his client’s mental condition, Bernama reported. The lawyer told the court that a psychiatrist from the Kuala Lumpur Hospital found Ahmad Ramli unfit to stand trial due to his mental condition. “Taking into account the submissions of the parties and the medical report on the mental condition of the accused, the assessment is that the accused is unfit to stand trial. “Therefore, the accused is discharged without being acquitted of all charges,“ said Suzana during the mention of the case. Ramli was charged on Aug 16, 2022, with being BNS managing director entrusted with the company’s funds, to have committed CBT by approving a payment amounting to RM13,541,140 to the account of Syarikat Setaria Holding Limited, Standard Chartered Bank, 6 Battery RD, Singapore 049909, without the approval of the BNS Board of Directors. PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department busted a SIM card scalping syndicate operated by Bangladeshi nationals at the KL International Airport during a special operation. Immigration director general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said nine Bangladeshi men, aged 22 and 50, were caught on Monday following a public tip-off. Zakaria said the syndicate targeted newly arrived Bangladeshi tourists by selling the SIM cards directly to them. “Preliminary interrogation revealed that the sale of the cards could generate up to RM1,500 to RM2,000 per day. It is believed that they have been operating for the past two months.” Zakaria said the team also seized four Bangladeshi passports, 10 mobile phones, 121 SIM cards from various telcos, eight SIM card ejector pins and RM1,555 in cash. He said the SIM cards were registered under different names and sold at RM25 each, adding that checks found five of the detainees did not possess valid travel documents and two of them had overstayed. – Bernama Court blocks access to seized jewellery KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court yesterday allowed the government’s application for a restraining order against PetroSaudi International Ltd director Tarek Obaid and two companies from accessing 41 pieces of jewellery worth £9 million (RM51.5 million) allegedly linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds. Judge K. Muniandy issued the restraining order following an application by DPP Mahadi Abdul Jumaat under Section 53 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. The application was to stop Obaid, jewellery company SJ Philips Limited and valuables logistics services company Malca-Amit Far East Limited Hong Kong from carrying out any business including transferring, selling or disposing of the properties involved. The properties are 41 pieces of jewellery worth £9 million allegedly derived from 1MDB funds. – Bernama SIM card scalping syndicate busted

o Adjustments to fare structures and regulatory changes impacting public affordability and fairness to drivers

maintenance, insurance and licensing fees, a significant portion of our income is spent before we even start making a profit. Despite higher fares, our earnings continue to shrink.” He said although drivers receive up to 80% of passenger fares, commissions, unpaid waiting times and repositioning costs eat into their actual earnings. Jose Rizal called for stronger government enforcement and greater transparency from ride-hailing companies. “We are advocating for a gig or platform workers act to ensure fair rights for drivers, including protection against unfair deactivation and access to social security.” Maxim e-hailing service provider director Mohd Hazwan Musley said the company adjusts fares based on market analysis to balance affordability, passenger demand and driver availability. “Maxim only applies peak rates when ride requests exceed the number of available drivers. This encourages more drivers to work during peak periods and in high-demand areas, minimising prolonged waiting times for users,” he said, adding that internal data revealed that the average ride cost in 2024 increased by less than RM1, aligning with annual inflation and rising living costs. Mohd Hazwan also said as part of its corporate governance, Maxim always displayed estimated fares upfront, calculated based on optimal route mileage.

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Vehicle (PSV) licence, insurance, annual vehicle inspections and medical checkups have further contributed to the declining number of drivers. She also said other factors include distance, traffic congestion and weather. “Despite the challenges, e-hailing remains a popular choice due to its convenience and seamless booking experience. Shared ride options, which allow passengers to split costs, have also contributed to the demand.” Siti Ayu said the increasing traffic congestion has further reinforced dependence on e-hailing services. She emphasised the need for government oversight to prevent excessive fare hikes and ensure fairness, adding that hikes could harm urban mobility and pointed out that Budget 2025 includes plans to enhance public transport as a long-term solution. E-hailing drivers have also voiced concerns that fare hikes have not translated into better earnings. Malaysian eHailing Alliances chief activist Jose Rizal said many drivers are struggling due to escalating operational costs. “Between fuel prices, vehicle

PETALING JAYA: E-hailing services have significantly reshaped public transport in Malaysia over the past decade, offering passengers flexible and convenient travel alternatives. However, recent fare hikes and regulatory changes have sparked debates over the affordability for passengers and fairness for drivers. Universiti Teknologi Mara Institute of Transport (Legal Services and Quality) head Dr Siti Ayu Jalil said rising operational costs, particularly petrol prices, are key factors driving fare increases. “Due to rising fuel costs and adjustments to fare structures, such as increases in base charges and surcharges, have been necessary. This has led to a decline in the number of e-hailing drivers since the Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected service availability and further pushed up fares.” She said globally, price hikes often align with increases in crude oil prices, adding that government regulations introduced in 2019, which require drivers to secure a Public Service

CONTRABAND HAUL ... Penang Customs director Rohaizad Ali showing fireworks, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages worth over RM200,000 that were seized during two raids in Seberang Jaya and Simpang Ampat recently.

– MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

MACC arrests 16 suspects, including ‘Datuk Seri’ PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested 16 individuals on suspicion of corruption involving the late registration of births of non-citizens to citizens and birth registration using false supporting documents. MACC deputy chief commissioner registration, which is for those who are more than 60 days after birth. “It is believed the activity was also masterminded by a medical practitioner with the title Datuk Seri who owns several clinics and maternity centres and whose role is to issue false birth verification documents.” “Meanwhile, six members of the public suspected of using the services of the agents were also arrested as applicants who submitted the birth registration forms. Also arrested was a legal practitioner suspected of being an intermediary between the agents and applicants.”

Ahmad Khusairi said all suspects were brought to the MACC headquarters and the Selangor MACC to assist in investigations and will be brought before the Shah Alam Magistrate’s Court in Selangor for remand. “The two suspects, including the Datuk Seri who has health problems, were released on MACC bail after their statements were recorded.” – Bernama

He said through Op Birth, the three main suspects were believed to be acting as agents who committed the act by offering and giving a bribe of about RM18,000 to a civil servant. “This was to assist in the application for birth registration using supporting documents such as hospital birth confirmation letters which were found to be fake.

(operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said all the suspects, aged between 20 and 70, were arrested through Op Outlander and Op Birth starting at 11am on Tuesday, involving raids at several premises including clinics and law firms around the Klang Valley and Johor. For Op Outlander, the main suspect is a civil servant suspected of committing the act by assisting applications for late birth